As a Green, I think that to prepare for a future when we are less dependent on imported fossil fuels, we need world class public transport for Dublin, and the rest of Ireland.  

DART Stations for Inchicore and Ballyfermot

Inchicore has had an association with Irish railways from the start.  The Inchicore works have been present for over 150 years and many railway workers have lived in the area.  It is about time that Inchicore had access to that railway.  The opportunity for this to happen will come in 2015 when the DART interconnector which is to link the Northern DART line with Hueston station and onto Hazelhatch.  The first station past Hueston is Parkwest  (which is in fact the only station within the M50) which is a considerable distance from Hueston.  There is definitely a case to be made for DART stations to built serving Inchicore and Ballyfermot.

Why Inchicore needs a DART Station

1. Inchicore would be linked with the DART network and a frequent service would link the village with the City Centre and the coast.
2. Businesses in the village would benefit from more “footfall” in that there would be more people walking to the DART.  This would probably improve the viability and ambience of the village.
3. St. Patrick’s Athletic would probably be interested in the project as it would provide a way to get crowds into Richmond Park.
4. The value of properties in Inchicore would probably be enhanced, as they have been close to other DART stations.
5. If a DART station was being mined, it might be possible to incorporate an underground carpark, which would make Inchicore village more accessible to everyone.
6. A modified tunnel route which would take in the village would avoid going under as many residential properties.
7. Kilmainham jail and the war memorial gardens would be more accessible.